WKU v. Sam Houston: The Pre-Game Report
This Saturday, November 18th, the Hilltoppers will host the Sam Houston Bearkats for what will be Western Kentucky’s final home game of the season.
Going into the game, Western Kentucky will look to secure a win in their final home game after falling to New Mexico State this previous weekend. The Hilltoppers, who are 5-5 on the season and 3-3 in Conference USA competition, must win one of the next two games (Sam Houston, FIU) in order to gain bowl eligibility to finish their 2023 campaign.
Sam Houston, on the other hand, has fallen out of bowl contention. Ranked eighth in the conference, the Bearkats have a 2-8 record in totality, with a 1-5 record in C-USA play. Fortunately for the Bearkats, both of their wins on the season have come in the past two games with a 24-21 victory over Kennesaw State and a 42-27 victory over Louisiana Tech.
For the Hilltoppers, this is one of the two remaining “must-win” games. Western Kentucky has a chance to go 7-5 moving into the postseason, and a chance to finish 8-5 overall. What do the Hilltoppers need to do to secure a victory on Saturday and raise fanbase morale?:
The Offense Must Have Best Performance of the Year: The Tops offensive attack has been rather…lackluster. On top of inconsistencies and erratic messes, the team has had a hard time scoring points in either the first or second half, depending on the game.. Remember former Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace and his Good Bo, Bad Bo, Dr. Bo nicknames? Enter the WKU offensive unit. Fortunately, offensive coordinator Drew Hollingshead has had several drives where his play designs and rhythm are in-touch, and it’s a good indicator that there is high upside in his abilities. Many offensive pieces that are due to return have also been impactful and made big plays. The Tops have to tie it all together and score more points than they have all season.
Run The Ball and Attack Underneath: Running back Elijah Young’s efforts have often kept this offense alive in previous weeks. The Bearkats defense are ranked 117th in the nation, allowing 181.6 rushing yards per game. Young should get fed closer to 20 carries. Aside from what he should be asked to do, Hollingshead’s creativity in the short passing attack/screen passing game should be on full display.
Be Weary of the Bearkats Pass Defense: The Bearkats are 42nd in passing yards allowed per game (211) and 22nd in passing touchdowns per game (1.1). Cornerback Dakerric Hobbs has totaled 31 tackles, a tackle for loss, and five pass deflections, including allowing a 40.6% completion rate (13-of-32) and a touchdown to five pass deflections. Safety De’Marcus Crosby, who leads the team with three interceptions, has totalled 43 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Look Out For These Guys, Too: Linebacker Trevor Williams has totalled 109 tackles and seven tackles for loss, while adding a sack and forced fumble. In the run game, he has totaled 41 stops. EDGE Isaiah Nixon leads the team in sacks with four, with 13 hurries, 25 tackles, and 4.5 tackles for loss. Nixon has accumulated an 80.7 grade in pass rushing, according to Pro Football Focus.
On Offense, The Bearkats Have…: Wide receiver Noah Smith. The leading receiver on the team by a wide margin, Smith has 67 receptions for 660 yards and five touchdowns. Running back John Gentry is the team’s leading rusher, albeit his lackluster 284 and single score, averaging 3.3 yards per carry.
The Hilltoppers will look to secure a win in front of the home crowd for the final time this season. If Western Kentucky is able to come out victorious, they will be bowl eligible (with a 6-5 record) for the 10th season in the past 12, respectively.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30pm on Saturday, November 18th at Houchens Industries L.T. Smith Stadium. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.